Neighborhood Local Guide｜The Best Areas to Stay in Tokyo and a Luxury Anniversary Guide

If you’re marking a milestone in Tokyo, which neighborhood will turn your stay into an exceptional celebration? This Local Guide introduces five signature areas and how to enjoy each in style. From sky‑high city hotels to historic downtown quarters, you’ll discover Tokyo’s allure where past and present interlace.
As you compare each area’s atmosphere, access, typical room rates, and hotels or experiences worthy of a special day, imagine the stay that fits you as a couple. Drawing on an academic lens and reliable industry sources, we suggest ways to make your anniversary trip deeply memorable—with links to official references where relevant.

Comparison Chart—A Local Guide to the Best Areas to Stay in Tokyo

First, a quick side‑by‑side look at the five main areas: Marunouchi & Otemachi, Ginza, Akasaka (around the Imperial Palace), Omotesando & Aoyama, and Asakusa & the Sumida River. For each, we summarize “Atmosphere,” “Access,” “Average Rate,” and “Recommended Hotels.” Rates are indicative and subject to change—confirm with official sites.

Marunouchi & Otemachi … Atmosphere: A business district lined with soaring towers. By night it settles into a calm hush—perfect for a refined, hideaway feel for grown‑ups.
Access: Directly connected to Tokyo Station, so it’s superb as a base for getting around.
Average Rate: Very high (as a guide, around ¥100,000 per night for two in a standard room at a five‑star; Aman Tokyo and Four Seasons frequently exceed ¥150,000). This is a top‑tier area with rates far above the Tokyo average (＊１).
Recommended Hotels: A cluster of peak‑luxury properties with standout views and service, including “Aman Tokyo” and “Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi.”

Ginza … Atmosphere: Grande dames and new flagships share the streets—heritage storefronts with Art Deco lines alongside the latest brands. After dark, the neon glow and lively shoppers and diners create a sensorial, glamorous buzz.
Access: Multiple subway lines converge here, with easy links from Tokyo Station and Haneda Airport.
Average Rate: High (from roughly ¥30,000–¥40,000 for two; options range from luxury to mid‑range).
Recommended Hotels: A rich lineup of luxury properties such as “The Peninsula Tokyo,” plus many Michelin‑starred restaurants to amplify your stay.

Akasaka & around the Imperial Palace … Atmosphere: History and nature meet around the Imperial Palace’s woods and green spaces. It’s quiet, polished, and excellent for wellness‑minded stays.
Access: Tranquil yet central; convenient subway hops to Tokyo Station and major sights.
Average Rate: High (from about ¥30,000 per night for two; a mix of classic and international luxury hotels).
Recommended Hotels: “Palace Hotel Tokyo” and “The Capitol Hotel Tokyu,” where tradition and contemporary comfort blend for restorative time together.

Omotesando & Aoyama … Atmosphere: Flagships for global brands and pockets of art galleries define one of Tokyo’s leading style hubs. Tree‑lined streets soften the scene—an urban oasis where sophistication meets stillness.
Access: Shops and museums cluster within walking distance of Omotesando Station; smooth connections to Shinjuku, Shibuya, and beyond.
Average Rate: Mid to high (roughly ¥20,000–¥40,000 per night for two; many designer‑led boutique hotels).
Recommended Hotels: Distinctive, small‑scale luxury stays such as “Aoyama Grand Hotel,” offering privacy and personality.

Asakusa & the Sumida River … Atmosphere: Asakusa keeps the warm spirit of Edo‑period downtown alive. Along the Sumida River you can gaze at Tokyo Skytree’s nightscape—traditional ambiance woven with modern vistas for a romantic mood.
Access: From Asakusa Station, it’s easy to reach Skytree and Odaiba; through the Toei Asakusa Line you also get direct trains to Narita and Haneda.
Average Rate: Comparatively affordable (room‑only from the ¥5,000 range for two—among the city’s lower price brackets), with everything from inns to hostels (＊２).
Recommended Hotels: “Asakusa Kokono Club” pairs tradition with comfort. If you don’t mind staying a few stops away, “HOSHINOYA Tokyo” in nearby Otemachi showcases the pinnacle of modern Japanese aesthetics.

Marunouchi & Otemachi—An Adult Anniversary in Sky‑High Hotels

A forest of skyscrapers gives Marunouchi & Otemachi its skyline. By night, the business district’s quiet settles in. From a Local Guide perspective, the upper floors of the area’s tower hotels feel like another world above the bustle—an intimate “hideaway in the sky” that’s wonderfully romantic.
Ultra‑tall luxury hotels gather here, so you’ll savor hush and indulgence that feel improbable in the very heart of the city. “Aman Tokyo,” set atop the Otemachi Tower, creates a refined space where the dynamic city and delicate cultural sensibility come into balance. Its expansiveness and some of the city’s finest views have earned it a reputation as a discreet sanctuary as well as a stage for business or celebratory gatherings.
Stay in this area and your days can radiate out from Tokyo Station for sightseeing and shopping, then at night you come back up to claim the skyline for two—quietly reaffirming your bond in the glow of the city.

Aman Tokyo｜A Hidden‑Retreat Stay with Modern Japanese Beauty & Butler‑Style Care

“Aman Tokyo” is the Aman brand’s first urban hotel. Step into your room and the floor‑to‑ceiling windows and beautifully pared‑back, modern‑Japanese design will stop you in your tracks.
Every room features a deep, stone soaking tub—a contemporary take on Japan’s bathing culture—and a long, unhurried soak together melts away everyday fatigue. Service is praised for its butler‑like attentiveness, with staff responding to your preferences with nuanced care throughout the stay (＊１).
For anniversaries, you can arrange surprises like rose‑petal bed decorations and chilled champagne. There are plans that include a full bottle, a bouquet, and rose petals on the bed. Float in the stillness of the 34th‑floor infinity pool as you look out over Tokyo’s sky, or book a spa treatment inspired by Japanese and East‑Asian botanicals—your discreet hideaway comes fully to life (＊２).

Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi｜A Renewal‑of‑Vows Ceremony in the Chapel

Opened in 2020, “Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi” is renowned for views over the Imperial Palace greenery and cutting‑edge facilities.
The third‑floor chapel is breathtaking. Bathed in natural light, it creates a solemn yet warm setting—renew your vows here and you’ll etch an unforgettable memory. The chapel’s refined modern style and inviting atmosphere make it ideal not only for weddings but also as a space to celebrate bonds with family and friends (＊３).
The hotel’s hospitality impresses across the board: seasoned wedding concierges and chefs collaborate to deliver bespoke touches (＊４).
On a terrace‑equipped suite you can take in the Palace Outer Garden and the city lights at once; set a private dinner and the chef can craft a custom course menu. Or reserve the chef’s table at the hotel’s Michelin‑starred restaurant and savor the performance up close. Mark your once‑in‑a‑lifetime anniversary high above Tokyo with a new promise—this is the kind of drama Otemachi can stage.

Marunouchi Anniversary Dining｜SÉZANNE—Floral Art & Pairings

For a special night, a top‑flight dining room is essential. In Marunouchi, “SÉZANNE” has captured global attention.
Housed in Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi, this French restaurant earned three Michelin stars in roughly three years from opening. Executive Chef Daniel Calvert presents cuisine that’s both bold and precise—light on its feet yet deeply composed. Seasonality shines through menus that highlight produce at its peak, amplified by a thoughtful champagne selection (＊５).
In spring you might taste courses with mountain vegetables and sea bream; in autumn, matsutake and chestnuts. Pairings—often champagne, sometimes wine—are proposed to match. For a surprise, add a message to your dessert plate or pre‑arrange a bouquet. With SÉZANNE’s poised service, your anniversary dinner becomes an evening where you feel the turn of the seasons and the strength of your connection.

Ginza—A Night that Satisfies All Five Senses in a District of Art Deco & Michelin

Long Tokyo’s pre‑eminent entertainment quarter, Ginza honors tradition while always evolving.
Walk the streets and you’ll see Art Deco echoes in landmarks like Wako and Mitsukoshi blending with cutting‑edge architecture—a distinctive urban landscape.
By day, it’s a world of luxury boutiques; by night, the lights come on and Ginza turns into a playground for grown‑ups. Window displays shimmer, the avenues glow, and the mood—sight, sound, and scent—wraps you in a sophisticated dazzle (＊１).
Ginza is also synonymous with dining. Tokyo has for many years led the world in the number of Michelin‑starred establishments, and within that, Ginza concentrates top‑tier sushi, French cuisine, and bars.
If the two of you want a refined night that engages every sense, Ginza is ideal. Below, we suggest two ways to spend it: a luxury hotel with singular touches, and an immersive Edo‑style sushi experience.

The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza｜A Luxury Stay Where Architecture and Experience Converge

To enjoy Ginza’s nights at their most polished, consider “The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza,” a luxury hotel that opened in 2024.
Conceived by legendary hotelier Ian Schrager in collaboration with leading Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, the hotel balances urban energy with quiet, modern radiance. Screens and timber elements evoke traditional Japanese motifs, yet lighting and composition reinterpret them for today, creating a one‑of‑a‑kind cityscape inside and out.
A highlight is “Punch Room Tokyo”—following London and Barcelona, this outpost focuses on punch cocktails and is the brand’s first in Japan. In a contemporary echo of the Edo spirit of sharing drinks, the menu features original creations with Japanese tea, local fruits, and sake. The room marries the hush of a classic hotel bar with Ginza’s evening shimmer—tailor‑made for couples.
Up on the roof, an olive‑dotted garden sets you amid greenery at the city’s center. From dusk onward, lighting shifts the mood into something gently otherworldly. In short, The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza is more than a place to sleep. Through architecture, scent, cuisine, design, and view, it becomes a stage for experience—an indulgent, five‑senses stay that pairs beautifully with strolling and dining for a night in Ginza you’ll remember.

GINZA SUSHI BANYA KAI｜A “Learn‑and‑Taste” Edo‑Style Sushi Class

If you want to learn Edo‑style sushi as you savor it, head to GINZA SUSHI BANYA KAI’s “Inbound Sushi Class.” Veteran chefs from the long‑established Daito Group teach you using the same ingredients served in the restaurant. You’ll handle and cool vinegared rice, slice fish, and shape 5–6 nigiri—then enjoy what you’ve made. It’s a special program where learning and dining come together.
English‑speaking staff provide interpretation, and the happi coat you wear becomes a keepsake (＊２). The class runs on the second Wednesday each month from 12:00 to 14:30, for up to six people, at ¥20,000 per person. In central Ginza, you’ll learn directly from the chefs’ hands—an invaluable experience.
The venue also serves as a practical training ground for the “Itamae Open School,” where veterans and the next generation hone Edo techniques side by side in a live setting—designed for travelers who want to go deeper into Japan’s food culture while honoring its traditions.
You can, of course, book a regular meal. For a full dining experience, reserve a course online. If you prefer a private setting, book a private room for an additional fee. Learning and tasting Japanese culture in one sitting will add a lingering resonance to your anniversary.

Akasaka & the Imperial Palace Vicinity—A Wellness Stay Embraced by History and Greenery

Close to Tokyo Station yet wrapped in the Imperial Palace Outer Garden’s vast greens and historic sites, Akasaka and the surrounding palace area feel like an urban oasis.
Season by season, flowers and trees flourish around the palace; waterfowl glide over the moats. The Outer Garden offers rich nature and restful scenery as a place for people to unwind.
Take a deep breath away from the city noise and you may forget you’re in the center of Tokyo. History is present, too: the Meiji‑era Western‑style “Akasaka Palace (State Guest House)” stands with dignified grace, glowing romantically under nighttime illumination.
For an anniversary stay, you’ll find hotels known for service amid greenery and history—perfect for a wellness theme. Spend time in the spa or fitness, or take an unhurried walk around the palace grounds.
At first light, try a morning run or outdoor yoga near the palace for a refreshing start. Spreading your mat on the grass with historic architecture as your backdrop feels special (please observe the Imperial Palace Outer Garden’s general public‑use rules and keep noise low).
Nearby national museums and classical concert halls make it easy to plan an arts‑inspired date. This is a place for two adults to truly relax, framed by history and nature, while appreciating how far you’ve come together.

Palace Hotel Tokyo｜Moat Views & Club‑Floor Hospitality

Set right by the Imperial Palace moat, “Palace Hotel Tokyo” boasts one of the city’s most coveted palace views.
From your window, the forest and water shift with the seasons—a sight that captivates guests. For an anniversary, book a club‑floor room to enjoy a higher tier of hospitality, including access to the dedicated lounge for afternoon tea and evening cocktails—perfect for a champagne toast.
Don’t miss “evian SPA TOKYO” on the 5th floor. Its menu blends the spirit of French resorts with Eastern wisdom; seasonal treatments using Japanese and Chinese botanicals are especially popular. Around the holidays, special courses may incorporate traditional ingredients to promote balance and relaxation.
A massage with oils infused with ginseng and dried tangerine peel promotes circulation and deep ease, followed by fresh herbal tea to soothe from within. Reserve a spacious spa suite and you can enjoy treatments side by side—ideal for a private anniversary spa experience. Back in your room, in‑room dining brings champagne and a custom cake. Thoughtful surprises from the team will warm your heart.

Omotesando & Aoyama—An Urban Resort Where Trend and Tranquility Cross Paths

On the leading edge of style, Omotesando & Aoyama brim with flagship boutiques, characterful cafés, and contemporary galleries.
Omotesando’s zelkova‑lined avenue shifts with the seasons and charms visitors from around the world. Slip a block or two away and you’ll find calm residential streets—unexpectedly serene for central Tokyo (＊１). That interplay of buzz and stillness is the area’s signature.
Despite its address in the city’s heart, Omotesando & Aoyama often feel like an “urban resort.” Spend your day shopping and exploring art, then ease into a slower rhythm at night. Boutique hotels showcase design sense down to aromas and furnishings (＊２).
For an anniversary, we recommend small properties that deliver a hideaway vibe. A private space where you can relax without distraction helps you leave busy days behind. Fashionable streets outside; hushed comfort within. For a couple attuned to aesthetics, Omotesando & Aoyama promise an unforgettable celebration.

Hideaway Spa and a Top‑Floor Pool & Jacuzzi

If you’re seeking a true hideaway, look to the members‑only “Allamanda Spa Aoyama Club” tucked on the top floor of Hotel Allamanda Aoyama. Step through the door and the city’s edges soften into quiet.
In a room perfumed with gentle aromas, your shoulders drop and your breathing deepens. Warm hands move with care, bringing the day to a graceful close. You can even opt for an in‑room treatment—go with your mood and linger in the glow. Then drift to the top‑floor indoor pool (＊３).
Light pours through large windows and plays on the water; take a long breath in the jacuzzi and feel time slow. Alternate hot and cold in the baths and sauna to wake a deep, physical ease.
Hotel guests can use the spa area (including gym) free of charge, with the elevator putting everything just seconds away. Flipping the switch to “off” in the middle of the city brings a touch of indulgence to your evening. In trend‑setting Omotesando, it’s a gift to enjoy resort‑like seclusion for two. The next morning, wander to a chic café on Aoyama‑dori for breakfast, then on to a gallery—an Aoyama kind of day where polish and relaxation harmonize.

Asakusa & the Sumida River—A Romantic Night Steeped in Japanese Atmosphere

Asakusa, rich with downtown charm, blends echoes of Edo with modern landmarks. Around Sensō‑ji Temple and the Nakamise shopping street, the old‑time bustle lives on. Slip into a yukata and stroll, and you might feel time itself shift.
Lift your eyes and across the Sumida River, Tokyo Skytree sparkles—contemporary brilliance woven into traditional scenery. Beloved by visitors from Japan and abroad, Asakusa still radiates a human warmth.
The station area manages to preserve its friendly, old‑Tokyo feel while adding modern views, making it a destination with broad appeal—from younger travelers to seniors.
For an anniversary here, immerse yourselves in Japanese ambiance and layer in romance. At dusk, ride a rickshaw from Kaminarimon Gate to circle the neighborhood, then visit Sensō‑ji under glowing lanterns to receive an amulet for your relationship—an elegant start (＊１).
Afterward, wander along the Sumida’s banks, letting the breeze and reflections of Skytree set the scene. In summer, you might catch floating‑lantern events or small fireworks by the water. The interplay of downtown sentiment and open riverscapes engraves Asakusa & the Sumida River into your memory.

Sumida River Yakatabune Dinner｜Tokyo Night Views with Champagne & Edo‑Style Tempura

Make a yakatabune dinner cruise the highlight of your anniversary in Asakusa & along the Sumida (＊２).
A yakatabune is a traditional party boat for dining on the water. Once reserved for feudal lords and merchants, today it’s easy for travelers to board. Glide down the Sumida and Tokyo’s illuminated skyline opens around you. Skytree and Rainbow Bridge feel different from the water—more immediate, more stirring.
On board, course menus bring freshly fried Edo‑style tempura, sashimi, and nigiri sushi. Most plans include free‑flow drinks—beer, sake, champagne—so you can toast as you please.
Take a crisp sip of champagne and bite into tempura just out of the oil: the delicate crackle and sweet prawn flavor bloom in the mouth. Lantern light ripples on the water as you pass under bridges, and the sense of occasion deepens. Some boats offer karaoke, but for an anniversary you may prefer to keep it quiet and drink in the night view together. Toward the finale, the boat pauses where the Tokyo Bay skyline spreads in panorama. Step onto the deck for photos with the glittering towers behind you—you can even arrange a professional photographer. Disembarking, pleasantly full and lightly tipsy, you’ll be all smiles. Edo charm and Tokyo’s nightscape combine for a romantic evening you’ll treasure.

In Closing

As you’ve seen, Tokyo offers diverse districts, each capable of setting the stage for a different kind of anniversary.
Skyline views from high‑rise hotels, feasts of culinary artistry, encounters with history and culture, and restorative calm—your ideal base depends on which elements you value most. Use the comparison chart and area suggestions in this Local Guide to craft a plan that’s perfect for the two of you.
Spending a precious anniversary in Tokyo goes beyond “just a trip.” It’s a chance to honor your shared past and pledge yourselves to the future. Time away from everyday busyness helps you look one another in the eye—reaffirming your bond and deepening your affection. A city as expansive and welcoming as Tokyo will support your memories at every turn. Seek an experience worthy of life’s milestones and set out on a luxurious journey through the capital. From the glitter of downtown nights to the quiet of a garden morning, may your anniversary shine on—always.